LANG 3060 Legal Interpreting (UG)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100196

Coordinator Kenny Wang Opens in new window

Description Legal interpreting is a highly complex process that requires specialised training in interpreting techniques, litigation tactics, legal language and the legal system. This unit is a compulsory unit for students in the BA (Interpreting and Translation) course. It can also be offered to practising interpreters who wish to improve and perfect their knowledge and skills in legal interpreting. It aims to provide students with the theoretical background and the opportunity to develop the interpreting skills necessary to operate at the NAATI professional level as a court interpreter. Lectures are held in English for students of all languages. The tutorials are language specific in Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Translating and Interpreting

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LANG 1017

Assumed Knowledge

Bilingual competence in English and one of the languages offered by the School for the interpreting and translation programs.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. interpret accurately in-person in court hearing situations in the consecutive mode
  2. interpret accurately over the phone or via video-link in legal settings
  3. interpret simultaneously in a court setting in the whispering mode
  4. interpret in a triangular situation in a legal conference in the dialogue mode
  5. demonstrate essential knowledge of the Australian legal system and awareness of cross cultural and cross linguistic differences and their relevance in the context of court interpreting
  6. use essential legal vocabulary
  7. sight translate court documents
  8. demonstrate understanding of the complexity of the language of the courtroom, including question tactics and the importance of testimony style.

Subject Content

1. Theory and practice of dialogue interpreting in the legal setting.
2. Theory and practice of consecutive interpreting in the legal setting.
3. Theory and practice of sight translation of legal documents.
4. Theory and practice of simultaneous whispering interpreting in the courtroom.
5. Theory and practice of telephone and video-link interpreting in the legal setting.
6. Essential background concepts and vocabulary of the Australian legal system.
7. The language and strategic use of courtroom questions and their significance to interpreting.
8. The language of courtroom testimony and its significance to interpreting.
9. Essential concepts concerned with cross cultural and cross linguistic communication.
10. Ethical considerations and the role of the court interpreter.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Presentation 5 minutes each 10 minutes presentation plus, 5 minutes questions 40 N Individual
Quiz 15 minutes each; 1 hour 20 N Individual
Viva Voce 30-40 minutes 40 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Kenny Wang Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject